What if everything you’ve been taught about happiness and success is upside down?
In this episode of Midlife Chrysalis, Chip Conley talks with Arthur Brooks, Harvard professor, bestselling author, and former French horn prodigy, about his remarkable journey from the concert stage to the world of behavioral science. Together, they unpack why strivers burn out, how our brains shift from fluid to crystallized intelligence, and the simple formula that can turn midlife from a crisis into a transformation.
Don’t miss this inspiring conversation. Listen now and start rethinking your own second curve.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:06 Arthur Brooks’ origins and family background
02:59 Religious upbringing and conversion to Catholicism
04:56 Navigating academia and faith in secular environments
07:08 Early music training and struggles to become the best
13:06 Striver mentality and American entrepreneurship DNA
16:41 Leaving music for economics and behavioral science
20:52 Imposter syndrome and skills learned from performance
22:33 Becoming CEO of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI)
29:05 Burnout, midlife shift, and vital plane encounter
32:19 Plane encounter with a famous figure and reflection on decline
35:47 Realizing the need for a second curve
38:10 How we move from fluid to crystallized intelligence
42:43 Airbnb and the role of “modern elder” wisdom
45:02 Advice for shifting into careers built on crystallized intelligence
46:56 The danger of pride and Dante’s frozen Satan metaphor
49:40 Learning to want less: the secret to second-curve happiness
54:39 Editing life instead of accumulating - reverse bucket lists
55:55 Generativity, religion, and aging with meaning
57:16 Policy thoughts on midlife education and wisdom schools
1:01:59 Wisdom bumper sticker
1:05:28 Closing reflections from Chip
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